Courses* taken by our Dental Assisting students include:

<strong>Orientation to Dentistry</strong>
This course focuses on the study of basic principles of microbiology, embryology and morphology as they relate to the oral environment and dentistry. Nutrition from a whole body concept and its interrelated effects on dental health and an introduction to standard infection control procedures will be covered in this course. Procedures of the Dental Healthcare Professional (DHCP) will be introduced in a simulated laboratory setting.

<strong>Dental Anatomy and Patient Management </strong>
Emphasis of this course is on the basic study of the anatomy of the head and neck, blood supply of the head and neck and innervation of the teeth. This course also provides the theory as well as hands- on-approach to medical and dental emergencies. Emphasis is given to step-by-step procedures performed by the Dental Healthcare Professional (DHCP) and will be performed on typodonts in a laboratory setting, in a pre-clinical setting on patients and clinical observation of dental practice management in an extramural facility. This course will also present principles and practices of infection control, OSHA regulations, law and ethics, practice management and communication.

<strong>Preventative Clinical Procedures</strong>
This course presents the principles of preventive dentistry including coronal polish and pit and fissure sealants. Instruction in applicable oral anatomy, histology, physiology, oral pathology as well as normal and abnormal anatomical and physiological tooth descriptions will be covered. Students will be required to perform coronal polish and place pit and fissure sealants on laboratory typodonts as well as clinical patients. Emphasis is given to step-by- step procedures performed by the Dental Healthcare Professional (DHCP) and will be performed on typodonts in a laboratory and pre- clinical setting, on patients, and clinical observation of dental practice management in an extramural facility. This course will also present principles and practices of infection control, OSHA regulations, law and ethics, practice management, and communication. A grade of “C” or better is required to earn credit for this course.
<p class="p1"><i>*Students will take additional program courses on top of the three listed courses. Courses may vary by program, credential level and campus.</i></p>